Search Button

Search

Account Button

Account

Basket Button

Basket Basket

Search Suggestions

Categories

Products

View All Results

Car
Bike

Find Oils & Parts

Select Your Motorcycle:

Manually Enter
Modified Vehicles

What Is AdBlue?

Manufacturers are going to great lengths to reduce the impact on the environment of their cars, vans and lorries. AdBlue is the answer to a particular area of concern - nitrogen oxide emissions.

Euro 6 emissions regulations have clamped down on harmful gases being emitted by vehicles across Europe, with nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel cars hitting the headlines in particular.

AdBlue is now being used in a growing number of diesel vehicles (cars, vans, HGVs) to reduce the amount of these gases coming out of the exhaust pipe. AdBlue is injected into the car's exhaust system and a chemical reaction occurs before harmful nitrogen oxide comes out of the exhaust pipe.

AdBlue is actually the registered trademark for "Aqueous Urea Solution 32.5%" - AUS32.

What is AdBlue made of?

AdBlue is a non-toxic solution made up of synthesised urea and de-mineralised water at 32.5% concentration.

How does AdBlue work?

The AdBlue solution is fed into the exhaust and reacts with the nitrogen oxide gas produced by the combustion process, breaking it down into harmless nitrogen and oxygen.

At high temperatures the AdBlue turns into ammonia, breaking down nitrogen oxide in the process, which means the volume of particles being emitted is significantly reduced. This process is called selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

Does my car or van need AdBlue?

If you're driving a newer diesel car, chances are it comes with AdBlue technology. We'd suggest looking in the vehicle handbook to see if it needs AdBlue - or get in touch and we can help.

When do I need to top up my AdBlue?

If you're not explicitly told by your dealer that your vehicle comes with AdBlue and that it'll need topping up, your first sign will be when it's running low and you get a AdBlue warning flash up on your dashboard.

Only quite small amounts of AdBlue are used at a time, so you won't need to top up in significant quantities as you do with fuel, but it's important that you don't let supplies run out. However, different driving styles, journey types and driving conditions will have an impact on how much AdBlue is used.

What happens if I run out?

Put simply, your vehicle won't start. You won't be able to just stick a tiny amount of Adblue back in the tank for it to work, either, so we'd suggest you top the Adblue up as soon as the warning appears – it'll save you hassle further down the line.

Where do I top up my AdBlue reservoir?

Opie Oils supply bottles of AdBlue - typically supplied in 10L bottles, but 5L bottles are usually available too - so you won't have to take your car to a main dealer for someone to do it for you; it's like topping up with screenwash.

The location of the AdBlue filler cap varies between cars. In some it's located next to the fuel filler cap, while others are at the side of the boot or under the boot floor. If you've got room, keep a bottle in the boot to avoid dramas!

What else do I need to know about AdBlue?

Some sources claim AdBlue is slightly corrosive and should be handled with care, while others claim it’s harmless and that all you need to do if you get it on your hands is wash them thoroughly or give the car's bodywork a wipe if you spill a little.

Because of these contradictions, we'd suggest you take as much care using AdBlue as you would any other fuel or liquid. Storage is probably the most important consideration. AdBlue needs to be stored between -11 and 30 degrees C and has a shelf life of around 12 months in these conditions. Above 30 degrees C it starts to decompose, and freezes below -11, but retains its qualities when it thaws again.

Buy Adblue from Opie Oils online here. Need help or advice about AdBlue? Get in touch.